I feel like it's been absolutely months that I've been asking for the wide men to play predominantly within the lines of the penalty box, and finally we got it for the second half. The result being that the three of them, and Neves, are all able to be much, much closer together, play football between eachother and make dummy runs that actually make a difference. He's absolutely got to stick with it, come hell or high water. It may well help us get the best out of Fabio too - we'll be able to see what he's like as footballing forward rather than a target man.
I've given Nuno plenty of stick, and most of that first half was as bad as we've been - but I'm delighted he read my suggestion, actioned it properly and has reaped the rewards. Please, please stick with it. We can all forgive it if we get caught in behind while we experiment with a high line, but we've got to take the next 14 games as the opportunity to perfect that higher line, perfect pressing in packs rather than 2-3 people doing it and the rest not, and perfect the inside forwards playing with and off a forward and a supporting Neves. It's got real, genuine potential - give it time, allow its mistakes, but make that be our identity, whether it's with a back 5 or 4.
Rui - back to his best, tremendous shot stopping and game for a couple of corners that I wouldn't have expected him too.
Semedo - absolutely wank defending for the goal, but probably as good as he's played all told.
Dendonker - again, poor for the goal, and is too passive with and without the ball there.
Coady - was off it, defensively for me. Passing was largely better
Saiss - probably the best of the 3, but only 7/10
Jonny - great to get more minutes in his legs. Was a bit wasteful in the final third a few times, but that'll come back.
Moutinho - I think he's done, unfortunately. He's a yard off everything, and he's not finding the time to dictate like he used to.
Neves - so much more likely to get involved when we're playing football rather than jinking down the wing and slinging a hopeful cross in.
Neto - the kid is special. Lightening quick, skillful, brave on the ball and works his bollocks off. I never want to see him wide left again.
Traore - partially at fault for the goal, and like Neto looked so much more dangerous off the touchline and playing inside.
Jose - I don't like him, and I don't want him. I think he's lazy, and he hides. IF we continue with inside forwards and Neves higher up, I'd like to see Fabio there.
For the next game, and I know we won't get this:
..................... Rui
....... Saiss/Coady/Marcal
Semedo/Neves/Vitinha/Jonny
........Neto/Fabio/Adama
Obviously we won't see that, but Marcal has impressed me, and I'd like to see him in that 3 at the back - he can defend, and he's good on the ball. If Fabio has got players near him, and balls to feet, then we've got half a chance of seeing what he's about, and his movement should create space for Neto and Adama to exploit.
